Study finds TikTok fosters 'toxic diet culture'
Many of the most popular videos on TikTok about food, nutrition and weight foster “a toxic diet culture among teens and young adults,” according to a new study.
University of Vermont researchers said a key theme of the videos was the “glorification of weight loss,” which perpetuated negative body images among impressionable teens and could lead to eating disorders. The vast majority of the videos were from “influencers” with no background in health or nutrition.
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Many of the most popular videos on TikTok about food, nutrition and weight foster “a toxic diet culture among teens and young adults,” according to a new study.
University of Vermont researchers said a key theme of the videos was the “glorification of weight loss,” which perpetuated negative body images among impressionable teens and could lead to eating disorders. The vast majority of the videos were from “influencers” with no background in health or nutrition.
In response to past criticisms about ads that promoted shady supplements and dubious diets, TikTok said it would put restrictions on brands that “promote weight stigma and body shaming.” Independent creators, however, are mostly unaffected by these constraints.
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